Hair Loss

ALTERNATIVE DOCTOR, LLC

Hair Loss

Alopecia is the absence or slowing of hair growth in an area of the body where hair formerly grew. It may be caused by physical damage to the hair itself or to the hair follicles, but it is most often the result of changes in the natural growth cycle of hair. In some types of alopecia, the growth cycle is disrupted by some temporary situation such as a chemical imbalance or stress. However, the vast majority (95 percent) of cases of hair loss in both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female diffuse baldness) are genetic in origin. This is called androgenetic alopecia.

Signs and Symptoms

	Male pattern baldness. Thinning or absence of hair at the hairline and top of the head.
	Female diffuse baldness. A gradual thinning of hair, especially on the top of the head. Hairline generally remains intact.
	Broken hairs, or hairs easily removed
	One or more round or oval bald patches

What Causes It?

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a genetic tendency for certain hair follicles to produce a substance that reacts with male hormones. As you get older, this reaction eventually causes the follicle to shut down. Female diffuse baldness progresses more slowly than male pattern baldness because of the small amount of male hormones in a woman's body. A hormone imbalance may make the problem worse.

Temporary hair loss may result from any shock to the body's systems, including starvation, systemic infection, childbirth, thyroid or immunologic disorders, drugs (especially chemotherapy for cancer), or stress. Hair follicles can be destroyed permanently by scarring from burns, severe scalp infections, X-ray therapy, or skin disorders. Damage may also result from tight hairstyles over a long period of time, chemical treatments such as hair coloring or permanents, or the habitual pulling out of the hair. A fungal condition called tinea capitis ("ringworm of the scalp") also results in hair loss. The causes of alopecia areata, or patchy hair loss, are not well understood. It tends to happen in times of stress.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If the cause of your hair loss is uncertain, your provider may suggest thyroid function tests or a blood test to rule out immune system problems. A biopsy, in which a small sample of scalp tissue is taken to be examined microscopically, is occasionally recommended.

Treatment Options

Treatment Plan

Treatment options will depend on your type of alopecia. There are various drug choices. In addition, surgical options include hair transplants, scalp reduction, and strip or flap grafts.

Drug Therapies

Prescription

	Finasteride—taken orally; for men only; must be used indefinitely to maintain regrowth; you will need to be monitored for side effects
	Steroid drugs—injections at the site of hair loss for alopecia areata; topical applications for children
	Antifungal medications—for tinea capitis; taken orally as well as applied as a shampoo; entire course must be completed to prevent relapse

Over the Counter

Topical minoxidil (Rogaine)—for both men and women; must be used indefinitely to maintain regrowth; you will need to be monitored for side effects

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

These therapies have limited success in treating male pattern baldness.

Nutrition

	Reduce your intake of pro-inflammatory foods (saturated fats, dairy products, and other animal products) and eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, essential fatty acids, and, in particular, protein (non-animal sources of protein include nuts, legumes, and soy).
	Biotin (300 mcg per day) and trace minerals, such as those found in blue-green algae (2 to 6 tablets per day), help hair growth.
	Androgenetic alopecia: vitamin B₆ (50 to 100 mg per day), zinc (30 mg per day), and gamma linolenic acid (1,000 mg twice a day) helps to inhibit 5-alpha reductase.
	Hormone imbalance: essential fatty acids (1,000 mg twice a day), B₆ (50 to 100 mg per day), vitamin E (400 IU per day), and magnesium (200 mg twice a day) enhance hormone production.

Herbs

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots.

	Combine the following in equal parts and use as tea (2 to 3 cups per day) or tincture (20 to 30 drops two to three times per day): ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), prickly ash bark (Xanthoxylum clava-herculis), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), yarrow (Achillia millefolium), and horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
	Androgenetic alopecia: Green tea (Camelia sinensis), 2 cups per day, and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), 100 mg twice a day
	Hormone imbalance: Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-cactus), 200 to 300 mg per day, has a normalizing effect on the pituitary.
	Viral origin or immune system cause: Herbs that support immune function can help treat the underlying cause of this type of alopecia. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), and Siberian ginseng (Eluthroccus senticosus)

Physical Medicine

Stress reduction techniques can increase blood flow to the scalp.

Massage

Therapeutic massage increases circulation and reduces stress. Scalp massage using essential oils of rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, and cedarwood may be helpful in increasing circulation. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 1 tbsp. of jojoba or grapeseed oil. Massage into scalp daily.

Special Considerations

A small percentage of men using finasteride may experience a decreased sex drive or difficulty in achieving an erection.

If you are pregnant, postpone treatment until after your baby is born.

Supporting Research

Guendert DV. Management of Alopecia. February 1, 1995. Department of Otolaryngology, UTMB. Accessed at Neuropathy Research at the Medical College of Georgia, http://npntserver.mcg.edu/html/alopecia/documents/BALDNESS_95.html on January 13, 1999.

Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy: successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134:1349–1352.

Lebwohl M. New treatments for alopecia areata. Lancet. 1997;349:222–223.

Whiting DA. The Diagnosis of Alopecia. Dallas, Tex: University of Texas. Baylor Hair Research and Treatment Center. Accessed at Neuropathy Research at the Medical College of Georgia, http://npntserver.mcg.edu/html/alopecia/documents/DiagnosisAA.html on January 13, 1999.

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.